As a student assistant in physical education at the University of the Philippines in 1921, FRANCISCA REYES began her pioneer work of recording the native songs and dances handed down through generations by the numerous ethnic groups that today compose the citizenry of the Philippine Republic. It was a time when these forms of ritual and entertainment were threatened with extinction by the introduction of mass communications.
Pursuing graduate studies in her chosen field, she traveled to remote mountain barrios and outlying islands, befriending the people and learning their unrecorded lore. Her meticulous research was published first in a thesis on Philippine folk dances and games for use in schools. With encouragement from the University this work was expanded after 1927 when President Jorge Bocobo gave his official support.
After serving 18 years on the faculty of the University and rising to become Physical Director for Women, she transferred to the Department of Education. There, since 1955, she has been Superintendent of Physical Education. As work permitted, she also has taught in several private colleges and universities and shared her knowledge of traditional Filipino performing arts with others at numerous international conferences.
Her sustained and enthusiastic efforts of 40 years have encouraged others to seek inspiration at home and facilitated a creative national expression of Filipino culture. Founder of the Philippine Folk Dance Society and author of widely circulated books and articles, her research has been drawn upon by physical education and dance instructors throughout the Republic. Legions of children and adults have known the joy of benefiting from her works. The several Filipino dance troupes that are winning critical and popular acclaim abroad have built upon a foundation to which she made an initial and vital contribution.
Now 63 and a grandmother, Mrs. FRANCISCA AQUINO continues active in her professional specialty to the fullest of her time and energy. Working to give her people a sense of confidence, pleasure and pride in the artistic expression that is uniquely theirs, she has shown what one person can do who is moved by a patient, determined concern for discovering the value in much that lies unused, yet readily at hand.
In electing FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO to receive the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the Board of Trustees recognizes her original research on Filipino folk dance and music, preserving this rich heritage for future generations.
